MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT-PARENT
HANDBOOK
2013 - 2014
1145 Concordia Drive
Towson, MD 21286
410-825-2323
www.baltimorelutheran.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BALTIMORE LUTHERAN SCHOOL STAFF/FACULTY DIRECTORY 4
INTRODUCTION 5-7
Letters of Greeting from Headmaster and Principal 5-6
Mission Statement and Theme Verse for the Year 7
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION 8
-School Philosophy, Accreditation, Baltimore Lutheran School Accreditation,
Baltimore Lutheran School Philosophy, Students and Faculty 8
SCHOOL POLICIES 9-10
-Anti-Sexual Harassment, Bullying 9-10
-Media Release Authorization, Corporal Punishment, Non-Discrimination Policy 10
ACADEMICS 10-13
-Grading, Honor/Merit Rolls 10
-Enrollment and Promotion, Homework/Make-up Work 11
-Cheating 11-12
-Communication of Academic Progress, Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences 12
-Standardized Testing Program 12-13
-STAR Program, Library/Media Center, Campus Technology Accounts,
Upper School Courses Taken During Middle School, Final Exams, Field Trips 13
ATTENDANCE POLICY 14-15
-School Hours, Extended Day Program, School Closing, Early Dismissal,
Late Openings, Absences and Attendance 14
-Family Travel/Trips/Personal Days 14-15
-Tardies 15
DISCIPLINE 15-16
-Disciplinary Action, Demerit Policy 15
-Saturday Detentions 15-16
-Suspension from School, Expulsion 16
GENERAL SCHOOL RULES 16-19
-Back Packs, Books 16
-Personal Communication and Electronic Devices 16-17
-Chewing Gum, Crude/Obscene Language, Cutting Classes, Deliveries,
Dress Code Violations, Eating/Drinking in Class/School Buildings,
Hallway Behavior, Illegal/Harmful Substances 17
-Littering, Lockers, Lost and Found, Lunchroom, Medication, Off-Limits Areas 18
-After School Behavior, Pets on Campus, Public Displays of Affection,
Remaining on School Grounds, Skateboards, Roller-skates,
Scooters, Etc., Visitors, Weapons 19
SCHOOL-SPONSORED DRESS CODE 19-21
GENERAL PROCEDURES 21-22
-Counseling, Health Services, Chapel Services/Worship Life,
Fire Drills/Emergency Procedures, Traffic Pick-Up/Drop-Off Procedures,
Parking Lot/Areas 22
STUDENT LIFE 22-23
-Activity Nights 22
-Co-Curricular Eligibility 22-23
-Sports Medical/Physical Forms 23
BALTIMORE LUTHERAN SCHOOL TUITION POLICY 23-24
-Tuition Fees and Payment, Cancellations/Refunds 23
-Late Registrations 23-24 -Late Payments, Delinquent Tuition 24
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 24
APPENDIX – Copies of Documents and Forms (Demerit Form,
Non-Emergency Absence Form, Absentee Assignment Form,
Damaged Book Fee Form) 25-28
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICIES OF BALTIMORE LUTHERAN 30
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Baltimore Lutheran School 2013-2014 Staff
Mr. Alan Freeman Headmaster, Upper School Principal (x.228)
Mr. Paul Schildwachter Middle School Principal (x.242)
Mrs. Kim Grill Director of Guidance (x.235)
Mrs. Jennifer Dudley Guidance Counselor (x.269)
Mr. John Tucker Admissions Director (x.225)
Mrs. Tracy Gingher Director of Development (x.275)
Mr. David Merritt Director of Athletics (x.238)
Mrs. Ruth Heilman Coordinator of the STAR Program (x.272)
Mr. Steve Haar Technology Hardware (x.236)
Ms. Pamela Post Media Center Director (x.240)
Mr. John Handley Business Office (x.227)
Mr. James Carter Human Resources (x.272)
FACULTY
Faculty members do not have voicemail. To contact any BLS faculty or Staff member via e-mail, use the first letter of their first name and their last (e.g. for Martha Bainbridge.)
Ms. Martha Bainbridge Mr. Gary Doede Mr. Brendon Keene Mrs. Jenifer Schildwachter
Mr. Gary Barth Mrs. Jennifer Dudley Ms. Kaitlyn Leppert Mr. Paul Schildwachter
Mrs. Marcie Barth Mrs. Lynee Edwards Mr. Matthew Markey Mrs. Angela Sharp
Mr. James Carter Mrs. Carol Frey Mr. Dennis Mercer Ms. Meaghan Sliwka
Mrs. Cindy Chrysam Mr. Steve Haar Mr. David Merritt Ms. Melissa Weldon
Mrs. Rebecca Crays Mrs. Ruth Heilman Mr. Curtis Miller
SCHOOL STAFF
Mrs. Kris Freeeman Registrar (x.230)
Mrs. Ellen Marquardt School Nurse (x.244)
Mr. Bill Kissinger Maintenance (x.245)
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Baltimore Lutheran School
1145 Concordia Drive
Towson, Maryland 21286
Phone (410) 825-2323 ext. 228
Fax (410) 825-2506
Dear Students and Parents:
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! What an exciting time it is to be a part of the Baltimore Lutheran School family. Summer break not only brings vacations and time with family and friends, but also time to refresh ourselves and to prepare for the next school year.
As the 2013-2014 school year begins, the Baltimore Lutheran School welcomes new families to Baltimore Lutheran. We also welcome back the familiar faces as Baltimore Lutheran School enters its 48th year of ministry. This year’s school theme is from James 1:4 - “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” We go into the 2013-2014 school year reassured that God’s gift of grace and mercy provided to us in Our Lord and Savior provides the ultimate hope – forgiveness of our sins and an everlasting life in His Kingdom!
The summer has been a busy time as the parking lot and the driveway have been sealed and painted, the pathway around Saints Field has been covered with asphalt, some classrooms have had new drop ceilings installed, chrome books were purchased for student and faculty use and presenters were installed in a few classrooms. We give thanks for these new additions to the school and for all the wonderful blessings that God has given to Baltimore Lutheran School. We especially give thanks to God for the wonderful students, parents, alumni, faculty/staff, and friends of our community. We continue to build with the recognition that He is our foundation and everything that we do is “All to His Glory!”
In your preparation for the year ahead, I would like to call your attention to this year’s Middle School Student-Parent Handbook. Please read it closely since some items have been changed for the 2013-2014 academic year. There is also an appendix section that has several sample forms and schedule information.
I look forward to the year ahead as God continues to richly bless Baltimore Lutheran School.
Yours in Christ,
Alan L. Freeman
Headmaster
Baltimore Lutheran School
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Baltimore Lutheran School
1145 Concordia Drive
Towson, Maryland 21286
Phone: (410) 825-2323, Ext. 242
Fax: (410) 825-2506
E-Mail:
Dear Students and Parents,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Welcome to the Baltimore Lutheran Middle School and the 2013–2014 School Year!
I hope that this summer has given you the time to step back and relax, to enjoy time with family and friends and to take in the wonders of God’s amazing creation.
Another school year is about to begin. We welcome all students, new and returning, to our Middle School. All of us who are part of the Baltimore Lutheran School faculty and staff of both the Middle and Upper School are very proud of our school and we rejoice that you have decided to be a part of our community. We are very excited about the possibilities that this school year brings and we are glad that you have joined us in our pursuit of using our God-given gifts and talents to serve our Lord as best as we are able.
Please take the time to read through the Middle School Student-Parent Handbook. This booklet contains many items of interest. It will hopefully answer some of the questions you might have in regard to academics, attendance, school expectations and discipline and student life. For the returning families, please note the changes in some of the items. Please also take the time to look at the appendix section. This contains several samples of forms and schedules.
May God bless our students and their families and our faculty and staff during this school year.
In His Service,
Paul J. Schildwachter
Middle School Principal
(410) 825-2323, ext. 242
MISSION STATEMENT OF BALTIMORE LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Ministry First, Excellence Always
PHILOSOPHY OF BALTIMORE LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Empowered by the Holy Spirit and in the Lutheran Tradition, Baltimore Lutheran School partners with churches and families to equip students to grow spiritually as they succeed academically and develop socially and physically – “All to the Glory of God.”
2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR THEME
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4
The School Motto: The School Motto is taken from I Corinthians 10:31- “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”
The School Colors: The School Colors for the Baltimore Lutheran School are as follows:
Red: symbolizing the redemption which is ours through the atoning blood of Christ.
Based on: 1 John 1:7 - “and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, purifies us from all sin.”
White: symbolizing the forgiveness we receive through Christ. Based on: Isaiah 1:18
“though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they be red
as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Gold: symbolizing the treasures we have as redeemed children of God. Based on
Colossians 2:3 “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The
treasures we have in serving God here on earth. Based on Isaiah 33:6 “The fear of
the Lord is his treasure.” God also symbolized the even greater treasure which
will be ours in heaven, this is based on Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is,
there will be your heart also.”
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
Baltimore Lutheran School is affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod and offers a college-preparatory curriculum. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and in the Lutheran Tradition, Baltimore Lutheran School partners with churches and families to equip students to grow spiritually as they succeed academically and develop socially and physically – “All to the Glory of God.” As a parochial school that does not receive federal or state funding, Baltimore Lutheran School does not make accommodations for students who have learning disabilities or other educational impairments (e.g. individualized educational plans, modified presentation of material, modified testing, reduced or alternate homework assignments, and other such modifications). However, for students with a diagnosed learning disability and who are a good fit with Baltimore Lutheran School and its college preparatory curriculum, the Student Aid and Resource Program (STAR) may be an option. This program is offered only to students with a diagnosed learning disability. Applicants to the program must apply through the Admissions Office. Class size is limited and applicants must meet specific admissions requirements.
Ultimately middle school serves as a bridge to the high school and college years. It is vital during these three years of education that students are fully prepared for the challenges ahead, not only in high school, but also in life. Baltimore Lutheran School benefits students by instilling a spiritual foundation predicated on Christ. With this foundation in place, our students are equipped to go into secondary education knowing the true importance of faith, prayer, and Christian friends.
BALTIMORE LUTHERAN SCHOOL ACCREDITATION
Baltimore Lutheran School is a member of the Commission on Secondary Schools Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. BLS has undergone a new protocol for its regular certification renewal and was recommended for recertification in February of 2007. Participation in this process of self-analysis for student performance improvement serves to maintain our commitment to high-quality service to our students in all areas as well as to continual growth and improvement in ourselves as professional Christian educators.
BALTIMORE LUTHERAN SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Baltimore Lutheran School is a segment of the body of Christ that serves to educate students in grades six through twelve. The school’s philosophy of education is based on the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God and centers in Jesus Christ to whom all Scripture bears witness. The school was established to provide Christian education in keeping with the Lutheran tradition and heritage of the Reformation. The primary purpose of the Church as the body of Christ is to testify to God’s riches and promises through the Gospel and, by the means of grace, provide the opportunity for people to find their identity, meaning, purpose, and power for their lives. Faith in Christ finds fruitful expression in everyday life; therefore, the function of Baltimore Lutheran School as part of this body is to provide college preparatory Christian education designed to help the students live out the opportunities given to God’s people.
Baltimore Lutheran School is a Christian community where the assembly of believers, encouraged by the Word, works to strengthen their relationship with Christ. The role of the student is to develop his/her God-given gifts and abilities so that he/she may be equipped for his/her “life of good works” which God has already prepared for him/her. Such development requires spiritually secure and academically qualified staff members who are continually open to the Word and the Holy Spirit.
In this Christian setting we view all knowledge and learning as a potential channel for God’s grace and power. A college preparatory curriculum is determined by the requirements of a complex and changing society, by the needs and aptitudes of the students, and the spirit and substance of the Gospel of Christ. In this community, faculty members are able to witness their faith and use their gifts to equip the saints and build up the body of Christ. Students are given the opportunity to develop not only individual talents, but also the skills and attitudes to make thoughtful Christian decisions and take positive Christian action as they live out their varying roles in society as the people of God.
STUDENTS AND FACULTY
There are approximately 230 students in grades six through twelve at Baltimore Lutheran School. The Middle School enrollment is approximately 60 students. Over half of the 25 full-time faculty hold an advanced degree. The faculty-to-student ratio is approximately 12 to 1. Academic class size is 14-26 students.
SCHOOL POLICIES
ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Baltimore Lutheran School is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is free of all forms of harassment and in which all employees and students can work and study together comfortably and productively. Baltimore Lutheran School prohibits and will not condone, permit, or tolerate any form of sexual harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee of Baltimore Lutheran School to harass a student or an employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature.
The Administration of Baltimore Lutheran School will act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment and will discipline any student or employee who harasses any student or employee of Baltimore Lutheran School.
BULLYING POLICY
Colossians 3:12, 13, 17: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgives you. …And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”